Chicks Dying from Starvation?

[Pine Grove]

Sounds like a typical case of coccidiosis to me, Starve Outs are newly hatched chicks that never learn how to eat

 

[Judy]

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Hmmm... so I'm not the only one....

 

[tiffanyh]

I was thinking coccidia also but lockhearts comment makes perfect sense in the big picture also. You figure if you treat for cocci it cant hurt, it seems those "starve outs" would peeter out despite if they were going too and if it saves some, great.

 

[threehorses]

You hadn't mentioned temperature - at what temp are you keeping them currently? If birds are too hot or too cold, they will not eat readily and will die off. Their lack of eating can also predispose them to other things of which they can get sick.

What are their droppings like? What kind of bedding are they on, what type of brooder set up, are they near older birds, is it particularly hot there?

I hate to say it's one thing or another based on just two bits of information. It might still be, but there's a much bigger picture and I think it would help you if you gave us some more information.

There might be other things happening here.

 

[lockedhearts]

Most of the starve outs have no other symptoms. Cocci you would most likely have bloody poo and other signs. I have had starve outs that acted perfectly normal and then just keel over. They appear perfectly normal and then get weak and die.Not saying this is what is happening and really the only way to tell for sure is a necropsy. Our State Ag Dept does them for free.

 

[Judy]

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Wouldn't that be great, if it were available to all. What state are you in?

 

[lockedhearts]

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Wouldn't that be great, if it were available to all. What state are you in?

Georgia

 

[SunshineSilkies]

I would think of cocci if you are seeing some blood. That is not to say that there is always blood, but if they are not eating, eyes closed, huddled or droopy feathers, cocci would be my first guess..

 

[Judy]

OP, are you still here? Are you going to try Corid?

 

[threehorses]

If you lose any more, I'd definitely contact your state ag college. I think that might be U of Ga? They usually are the ones who run the extensions who can hook you up with necropsy folks. It's good to get that information ahead of time, and ask them what you need, in case you ever need it in the future. Better to be prepared and NOT use it than to need it and have to try to rush to find it. Necropsies always need to be done very very quickly so have the info on hand.

Let us know if you need our help getting it.